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Astros, Altuve agree to four-year contract extension

The extension begins in 2014 and runs through the 2017 season and provides the Club with options for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Jose has quickly become the face of the franchise in less than two years, and we are excited to keep him here for many years to come," Luhnow said. "He provides leadership both on and off the field and has become a big part of the Houston sports community."

Altuve, who turned 23 years old in May, has been a mainstay in the Astros starting lineup since making his Major League debut in July of 2011. Since that time, he has been one of the steadiest and most productive second basemen in the Ma­jors. In 2012, he became the second-youngest Astros player ever named to an All-Star team at just 22 years old. He was also the second-youngest member of the 2012 NL All-Star squad behind Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. Additionally, he was named the Astros Team MVP in 2012 by the Houston Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America after hitting .290 with 34 doubles, four triples, seven homers and 33 stolen bases.

In 2013, Altuve currently leads all Major League second basemen in stolen bases (21) and double plays turned (74) and is hitting .280 with 15 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 28 RBI. He also ranks fourth among AL second basemen in hits with 98. Altuve has also been a durable performer for the Astros since his ML debut on July 20, 2011, appearing in 287 games at second base in that span, which ranks T-5th in the Majors among second basemen (with Brandon Phillips). At 23, Altuve is the youngest everyday second basemen in the Majors (min. 50 games).

"This contract is consistent with our strategy of developing and retaining the best young talent in baseball," said Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane. "All along, I've maintained that we will make the necessary investments to create a win­ning team long-term and this is an important step in that direction."

"I'm really happy to be a part of the Houston Astros organization," Altuve said. "I just want to keep playing hard and help this team win games. I love my teammates and the people of Houston and I'm going to do everything I can to improve and win baseball games."

Altuve was the Astros Minor League Player of the Year in 2011, leading all of minor league baseball with a .389 batting average before being called up to the Majors on July 19 of that season. In the Majors and minors in 2011, he combined for 200 hits. Altuve has also been one of the top hitters in the Venezuelan Winter League the last two off-seasons, hitting .336 and .339 for Magallanes in 2012-13 and 2011-12, respectively.